If you’re concerned for yourself or a loved one, it’s critical to be aware of the dementia warning signs so you can assure an early diagnosis. The ten most typical dementia red flags are shown below.
SYMPTOM 1: COGNITIVE LOSS THAT IMPAIRS DAILY FUNCTIONING
Do you or someone you know frequently forget things or struggle to retain new information?
Periodically forgetting phone numbers, appointments, or coworkers’ names before recalling them in a split second is frequent. Yet, someone who has dementia may forget things more frequently or may have trouble recalling facts they have recently learned.
SYMPTOM 2: TROUBLE WITH ROUTINE DUTIES
Are you or someone you know having trouble remembering how to carry out everyday tasks like dressing or cooking?
Occasionally, busy people can become so focused that they forget to serve a meal’s portion, only to remember it afterward. However, a person with dementia could struggle to finish an activity that they have been doing their entire lives, like cooking a meal or playing a game.
SYMPTOM 3: LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES
Do you or someone you know frequently omit words from conversations or replace them with inappropriate terms?
Anybody can struggle to find the right words to express their ideas. But, a person with dementia may forget basic words or use word substitutions that make it hard to understand what they are saying.
SYMPTOM 4: LOSS OF SENSE OF PLACE AND TIME
Are you or the person you know having trouble determining the day of the week or getting lost in a place you are familiar with?
Have you ever forgotten what day it is or why you went inside your bedroom? Everybody experiences it. Individuals who have dementia may get lost on their own streets and have no idea how to get home or how they got there.
SYMPTOM 5: POOR JUDGMENT
Do you or someone you know fail to recognize a situation that could endanger their health and safety?
People occasionally make dubious choices, like postponing visiting the doctor when they are ill. Yet, a person with dementia may exhibit changes in judgment or decision-making, such as failing to recognize a medical issue that needs to be addressed or dressing in bulky clothing on a hot day.
SYMPTOM 6: ABSTRACT THINKING ISSUES
Do you or someone you know have trouble grasping the meaning of numbers and symbols?
People occasionally might find it challenging to perform abstract thinking tasks like utilizing a calculator or balancing a checkbook. But a person with dementia may struggle considerably with such tasks because they have lost their understanding of what numbers are and how they are utilized.
SYMPTOM 7: LOSING STUFF IS COMMON
Are objects being placed in inappropriate locations by you or someone you know?
A wallet or set of keys can go missing at any time. But, someone who has dementia might store objects in strange places. Iron in the freezer, for instance, or a watch in the sugar bowl.
SYMPTOM 8: CHANGES IN ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR
Do you or someone you know have sudden, significant mood swings?
Anybody can experience occasional sadness or irritability. Yet, a dementia patient may suffer abrupt mood shifts, ranging from serenity to tears to rage.
SYMPTOM 9: PERSONALITY CHANGES
Are you or the person you know acting out of character?
Throughout time, personalities can evolve subtly. Yet, a person with dementia may go through more pronounced personality changes and can turn confused, suspicious, or withdrawn. Lack of interest or fearfulness is another potential change.
SYMPTOM 10: A LACK OF INITIATIVE
Are you or the person you know losing interest in friends, family, and hobbies?
It’s common to get tired of doing household, business, or social commitments, but most people regain their initiative. Nonetheless, a person with dementia may turn inactive and uninterested and need cues and prodding to become involved.
The next step is to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms cause you concern. To talk with a specialist, call Specialty Care Clinics at (469) 545-9983.